Inn Way to the Lake District

The Inn Way to the Lake District (8 days walking)

Holiday Duration

Standard Price

Holiday Code

Grade

Why do this walk?

Explore the pretty town of Ambleside - situated within the Lake District National Park and at the head of Windermere, England's largest water - with its plentiful pubs, shops and cafes and literary connections.

Experience Wasdale valley, which is known as the wildest of the valleys in the Lake District. This remote and beautiful area sits snugly between Gosforth in West Cumbria, Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and the mountains of Great Gable and Scafell Pike. This area also includes a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and the lake itself is a Special Area of Conservation.

Enjoy the breathtaking views over Crummock Water, with its many vantage points looking towards the dramatic slopes of Melbreak, and Loweswater, which is unique within the Lake District as it is the only lake that drains towards the centre of Lakeland.

Feel a real sense of freedom as you traverse dramatic mountain passes, and make sure you stop to refresh yourself in some of the traditional inns and pubs along the way!

This Lake District walking holiday covers the complete Inn Way to the Lake District route in 8 days.

Very similar to our 7 day Inn Way to the Lake District option, this 8 day Lake District walking holiday splits the journey from Coniston to Ambleside with a nights stay in Langdale. Please be aware that it is not possible to start on a Saturday.

Ambleside – Rosthwaite
This Lake District walking holiday begins in the popular tourist town of Ambleside. The trail takes you through Grasmere before climbing over Greenup Edge and descending into Rosthwaite. Most of the route is well-maintained trails and bridleways, however, the approach to Greenup Edge does include some boggy moorland. Descending Greenup Gill is quite steep and involves some pitched steps before picking up a clear path leading to Rosthwaite.

Rosthwaite – Braithwaite
After leaving Rosthwaite you continue your Inn Way to the Lake District Walk, ascending High Spy via Dale Head Tarn and proceed along to Maiden Moor before dropping down into Little Town. After passing the Swinside Inn, you then head up Stoneycroft path and pass between Barrow and Outerside before finishing in Braithwaite. This day’s walking is all on well-defined paths, however, some sections, such as Stoneycroft path are rocky and uneven under foot.

Braithwaite – Buttermere
Leaving Braithwaite you follow Coledale Beck along an even path underneath Grisedale Pike. Once you cross Coledale Beck at the old mine the trail becomes steeper and rocky as you climb Coledale Hause, from where you follow Liza Beck down to the northern end of Crummock Water. You then follow the western shore of Crummock Water to the small settlement of Buttermere. Most of this section of the walk is on clear well-maintained rails, however, the section over Coledale Hause is somewhat rocky under foot.

Buttermere – Boot
After walking along the shore of Buttermere you continue your route by ascending Scarth Gap Pass and dropping down into the Ennerdale Valley before then climbing up again and crossing Black Sail Pass and descending into the Wasdale valley. After leaving Wasdale you then cross Eskdale Fell passing the remote Burnmoor Lodge before following Whillan Beck into Boot. From Buttermere to Wasdale the trail is clear, stone tracks. After leaving Wasdale you are mainly on grassy tracks passing Burnmoor Tarn before picking up a stony trail into Boot.

Boot – Broughton-in-Furness
After briefly following the river Esk the trail then skirts around the side of Harter Fell and descends into Seathwaite before then climbing over the Dunnerdale Fells before reaching Broughton-in-Furness. This day of your Lake District walking holiday includes a mixture of stony trails, grassy paths, and walled tracks.

Broughton-in-Furness – Coniston
Leaving Broughton you head east towards Coniston Water before then heading north and climbing the side of The Old Man of Coniston. Your Lake District walking holiday continues as you descend into the charming village of Coniston.

Coniston – Langdale
Immediately upon leaving Coniston you start the biggest climb of the walk to the top of Swirl How before then descending to Three Shire Stone then passing in the shadow of Pike of Blisco and into the Langdale Valley.

Langdale – Ambleside
From Langdale you walk down the valley, over the lower slopes of Loughrigg, and back into Ambleside, completing your Lake District walking holiday.

How much up and down? Every day will involve at least one significant ascent. There are several climbs of over 500m, with over 700m of climbing on your last day, taking you to 802m on the summit of Swirl How.

Signposting None. ‘The Inn Way’ is a Registered Trademark of Mark Reid, author of ‘The Inn Way’ series of guidebooks and is not signposted. You will need to use your map and guidebook.

Navigation The paths are well defined, but you will need to read a map and use the guidebook. You will spend some time on higher ground and may encounter mist and hill fog. While the footpaths the route follows are marked on the map, the route itself is not highlighted.

Weather You may be lucky enough to encounter warm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy dry paths and tremendous views, but you must be prepared because the weather can change quickly. Remember you are spending time on higher ground, where it will be colder than in the valleys. Good clothing and waterproofs essential!

Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.

Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast.

Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk

Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal.

Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours.

15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores – online and high street – for twelve months following confirmation of your booking.

Options:

Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this.

Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car – it’s no problem, just ask – and we’ll even advise you when public transport is a better option!

What’s not Included:

Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route – it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in – so you’ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal.

Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday.

Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out.

Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday.

A good night’s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.

We have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day’s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.

Some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include:

Coledale Inn
This genuine country inn has an interesting Georgian and Victorian history and blends this with its newly refurbished, comfortable and cosy rooms. It was built c.1824, starting life as a wool mill, then a pencil mill, eventually becoming the Inn that it is today.

The Bridge Hotel
Full of character and away from your usual everyday distractions this is a great place to unplug yourself from the world. Positioned in some of England’s most beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to enjoy one of the traditional English dishes, Cumbrian ales, or Lakeland gins (which are distilled less than 20 minutes from the door).

Broadgate House
Immortalised in Wordsworth’s poetry this late Georgian house has been carefully redecorated to keep the Georgian splendour of its time. A two acre garden boasts year round colour with rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Enjoy in peace the magnificent views from the garden or warm yourself by the wood burning stove in the sitting room.

The Langstrath Country Inn
The Langstrath Country Inn is set in the Lakeland village of Stonethwaite. It is a small local family run pub for walkers. It was built around 1590 as a miners cottage and is now a lovely hotel offering comfortable bedrooms and excellent service. The restaurant serves Lakeland dishes using the finest local ingredients.

The Boot Inn
Situated in the village of Boot in Eskdale this quiet and comfortable Inn offers a warm welcome where nothing is too much trouble. Relax and enjoy the delicious award-winning food whilst enjoying the tranquil Eskdale valley.

Travel Info:
General travel information on the Lakes Inn Way area will be in your holiday pack including train and bus timetables where available.
Detailed instructions on getting to your first night’s accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps.
To view train times please visit national where you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline
If you require secure car parking whilst walking this route, please contact us for information.

To Ambleside:By Public Transport: Train to Windermere, then bus to Ambleside (timetable in holiday pack) 15 min travel time.By Road:From the South: From the M6 take the A65 (Junction35), then the A591 to Ambleside. About 30 minutes from the motorway.
From the North: From the M6 take the A66 (Junction 40), then the A591 to Ambleside. About 50 minutes from the motorway.

From Ambleside: Travel by bus or taxi to Windermere (4 miles) for rail travel connecting with the west coast main line.

Ambleside

Ambleside is a bustling Lakeland town, with charming shops and a wide choice of good cafes and restaurants. The small town is known for its landmark Bridge House and its connections with writers, poets and artists including Beatrix Potter. There are many short walks that can be enjoyed from here, or you can wander down to Waterhead and take a ride on one the Windermere “Steamers” on the lake.

Coniston

A pleasant Lakeland Village on the shores of Lake Coniston. Take a cruise on the lake on the steam launch “Gondola”. Visit historic Brantwood, nineteenth century home of John Ruskin. For the more energetic, Coniston Old Man is a great walk with tremendous views over the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.

This Lake District walking holiday covers the complete Inn Way to the Lake District route in 8 days.

Very similar to our 7 day Inn Way to the Lake District option, this 8 day Lake District walking holiday splits the journey from Coniston to Ambleside with a nights stay in Langdale. Please be aware that it is not possible to start on a Saturday.

Miles

Km

Day 1

Travel to Ambleside for your first nights accommodation

Day 2

Ambleside to Rosthwaite

12

19

Day 3

Rosthwaite to Braithwaite

12

19

Day 4

Braithwaite to Buttermere

12

19

Day 5

Buttermere to Boot

12

19

Day 6

Boot to Broughton in Furness

14

23

Day 7

Broughton in Furness to Coniston

13

21

Day 8

Coniston to Langdale

8

13

Day 9

Langdale to Ambleside

7

11

Day 10

Depart from Ambleside after breakfast

This itinerary shows where you will walk from and to each day. On several nights your accommodation will not be within walking distance of the trail and we will transfer you to your accommodation and back again the following morning.

Ambleside – Rosthwaite
This Lake District walking holiday begins in the popular tourist town of Ambleside. The trail takes you through Grasmere before climbing over Greenup Edge and descending into Rosthwaite. Most of the route is well-maintained trails and bridleways, however, the approach to Greenup Edge does include some boggy moorland. Descending Greenup Gill is quite steep and involves some pitched steps before picking up a clear path leading to Rosthwaite.

Rosthwaite – Braithwaite
After leaving Rosthwaite you continue your Inn Way to the Lake District Walk, ascending High Spy via Dale Head Tarn and proceed along to Maiden Moor before dropping down into Little Town. After passing the Swinside Inn, you then head up Stoneycroft path and pass between Barrow and Outerside before finishing in Braithwaite. This day’s walking is all on well-defined paths, however, some sections, such as Stoneycroft path are rocky and uneven under foot.

Braithwaite – Buttermere
Leaving Braithwaite you follow Coledale Beck along an even path underneath Grisedale Pike. Once you cross Coledale Beck at the old mine the trail becomes steeper and rocky as you climb Coledale Hause, from where you follow Liza Beck down to the northern end of Crummock Water. You then follow the western shore of Crummock Water to the small settlement of Buttermere. Most of this section of the walk is on clear well-maintained rails, however, the section over Coledale Hause is somewhat rocky under foot.

Buttermere – Boot
After walking along the shore of Buttermere you continue your route by ascending Scarth Gap Pass and dropping down into the Ennerdale Valley before then climbing up again and crossing Black Sail Pass and descending into the Wasdale valley. After leaving Wasdale you then cross Eskdale Fell passing the remote Burnmoor Lodge before following Whillan Beck into Boot. From Buttermere to Wasdale the trail is clear, stone tracks. After leaving Wasdale you are mainly on grassy tracks passing Burnmoor Tarn before picking up a stony trail into Boot.

Boot – Broughton-in-Furness
After briefly following the river Esk the trail then skirts around the side of Harter Fell and descends into Seathwaite before then climbing over the Dunnerdale Fells before reaching Broughton-in-Furness. This day of your Lake District walking holiday includes a mixture of stony trails, grassy paths, and walled tracks.

Broughton-in-Furness – Coniston
Leaving Broughton you head east towards Coniston Water before then heading north and climbing the side of The Old Man of Coniston. Your Lake District walking holiday continues as you descend into the charming village of Coniston.

Coniston – Langdale
Immediately upon leaving Coniston you start the biggest climb of the walk to the top of Swirl How before then descending to Three Shire Stone then passing in the shadow of Pike of Blisco and into the Langdale Valley.

Langdale – Ambleside
From Langdale you walk down the valley, over the lower slopes of Loughrigg, and back into Ambleside, completing your Lake District walking holiday.

How much up and down? Every day will involve at least one significant ascent. There are several climbs of over 500m, with over 700m of climbing on your last day, taking you to 802m on the summit of Swirl How.

Signposting None. ‘The Inn Way’ is a Registered Trademark of Mark Reid, author of ‘The Inn Way’ series of guidebooks and is not signposted. You will need to use your map and guidebook.

Navigation The paths are well defined, but you will need to read a map and use the guidebook. You will spend some time on higher ground and may encounter mist and hill fog. While the footpaths the route follows are marked on the map, the route itself is not highlighted.

Weather You may be lucky enough to encounter warm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy dry paths and tremendous views, but you must be prepared because the weather can change quickly. Remember you are spending time on higher ground, where it will be colder than in the valleys. Good clothing and waterproofs essential!

Every walking holiday includes:

Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.

Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast.

Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk

Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal.

Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours.

15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores – online and high street – for twelve months following confirmation of your booking.

Options:

Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this.

Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car – it’s no problem, just ask – and we’ll even advise you when public transport is a better option!

What’s not Included:

Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route – it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in – so you’ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal.

Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday.

Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out.

Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday.

A good night’s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.

We have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day’s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.

Some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include:

Coledale Inn
This genuine country inn has an interesting Georgian and Victorian history and blends this with its newly refurbished, comfortable and cosy rooms. It was built c.1824, starting life as a wool mill, then a pencil mill, eventually becoming the Inn that it is today.

The Bridge Hotel
Full of character and away from your usual everyday distractions this is a great place to unplug yourself from the world. Positioned in some of England’s most beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to enjoy one of the traditional English dishes, Cumbrian ales, or Lakeland gins (which are distilled less than 20 minutes from the door).

Broadgate House
Immortalised in Wordsworth’s poetry this late Georgian house has been carefully redecorated to keep the Georgian splendour of its time. A two acre garden boasts year round colour with rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Enjoy in peace the magnificent views from the garden or warm yourself by the wood burning stove in the sitting room.

The Langstrath Country Inn
The Langstrath Country Inn is set in the Lakeland village of Stonethwaite. It is a small local family run pub for walkers. It was built around 1590 as a miners cottage and is now a lovely hotel offering comfortable bedrooms and excellent service. The restaurant serves Lakeland dishes using the finest local ingredients.

The Boot Inn
Situated in the village of Boot in Eskdale this quiet and comfortable Inn offers a warm welcome where nothing is too much trouble. Relax and enjoy the delicious award-winning food whilst enjoying the tranquil Eskdale valley.

Travel Info:
General travel information on the Lakes Inn Way area will be in your holiday pack including train and bus timetables where available.
Detailed instructions on getting to your first night’s accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps.
To view train times please visit national where you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline
If you require secure car parking whilst walking this route, please contact us for information.

To Ambleside:By Public Transport: Train to Windermere, then bus to Ambleside (timetable in holiday pack) 15 min travel time.By Road:From the South: From the M6 take the A65 (Junction35), then the A591 to Ambleside. About 30 minutes from the motorway.
From the North: From the M6 take the A66 (Junction 40), then the A591 to Ambleside. About 50 minutes from the motorway.

From Ambleside: Travel by bus or taxi to Windermere (4 miles) for rail travel connecting with the west coast main line.

Ambleside

Ambleside is a bustling Lakeland town, with charming shops and a wide choice of good cafes and restaurants. The small town is known for its landmark Bridge House and its connections with writers, poets and artists including Beatrix Potter. There are many short walks that can be enjoyed from here, or you can wander down to Waterhead and take a ride on one the Windermere “Steamers” on the lake.

Coniston

A pleasant Lakeland Village on the shores of Lake Coniston. Take a cruise on the lake on the steam launch “Gondola”. Visit historic Brantwood, nineteenth century home of John Ruskin. For the more energetic, Coniston Old Man is a great walk with tremendous views over the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.